Meet James Burns, your host for The London Photography Experience

The Artist's Image — Press Shots & Portrait Masterclass

Regular price £295.00

Make a photograph that sounds like you.

You have the music, the ideas, the work. Now give people an image that makes them stop scrolling. Head out into London with James for a practical portrait session that combines making your press shots with learning how to create them yourselves.

Come solo or bring a creative partner. We will build a visual direction, find a compelling setting and explore how a lens, a patch of light and a small change of position can transform a portrait. James will demonstrate, photograph you and coach you behind the camera. With two participants, you can swap roles and learn to photograph one another.

What we will explore

  • Finding locations and backgrounds that suit your identity.
  • Lens choice, perspective and separating a subject from the scene.
  • Available light, flattering angles and natural direction.
  • Making space for press layouts, artwork and social crops.
  • Choosing the strongest frames and building a repeatable approach.

What is included

Three hours for one or two people, a short creative briefing by email and five edited digital portraits photographed by James, shared across the booking. These can be used for your own artist publicity, website and social channels. RAW files are not included. This is a location portrait and teaching session; studio hire, styling and makeup are not included.

Bring: a camera or smartphone, charged batteries and one or two outfit options. Send James a little about your work and the mood you want before the session.

Duration & party: 3 hours · private session for up to 2 people. The price is for the complete private booking.

Your experience with James

This is a private session with James Burns, founder of London from the Rooftops, drawing on over 20 years photographing London. Teaching is tailored to your interests, experience and equipment.

Booking your date

After purchase, email james@londonfromtherooftops.com with your order number. We will agree a date, meeting point and creative brief together. Please arrange your session within 12 months of purchase. Dates are subject to availability; contact James before buying if you need a particular day. Outdoor routes are planned around weather and accessible locations; private rooftop access is not included. Travel, refreshments and paid venue entry are not included.